Irine's Journal

Susan Lynn  Irine - I know that the dye can damage kidneys and I suspect they prefer that you not be subjected to two doses in one day. Many people don't get the CT with contrast unless they're having tavr or a surgical entry that requires the bypass connection through the femoral artery. I had both procedures several weeks apart, but I try to avoid the dye as my family history includes kidney disease. Good luck with your question. I'll be anxious to read other responses.

Marie Myers  They would be especially cautious if your kidneys are not working at 100%, because the dye can cause kidney problems. 

Patsy Stewart  I was warned about the CT scan, but they didn’t mention anything about the heart cath. I have kidney damage and I’m allergic to the dye.  I had to have a CT scan with dye before I could have my TAVR. They gave me a big dose of steroids and had me to drink quite a bit of water before the scan. Like Greg, they did bloodwork before the scan as well. I was rejected the first time, but kidney function was just high enough to have it the next go ‘round. Make sure you follow the directions they give you. 

Brady Busch  I never paid much attention to the timing of them,but yes,my Tee was done right after the heart cath.The CT scan happened on a different date.The dye feels warm,right?I didn't get TAVR though.

Klara Čičić  It is sometimes hard to find that information. I ended up asking the surgeon himself how many cases like mine (complex Barlow'disease repair) does he do per year, I asked that via e-mail. Not all surgeons wanted to share that information(ego?). I researched his scientific publications on PubMed, and found papers about volume of mitral valve repair in the institution I was going to, he was the main author... That was encouraging. I also watched his lectures about my condition on YouTube, and even whole surgery is available on YouTube of him doing mitral valve repair. I've heard that surgeons should share that information, and the best ones are proud to do so. 

George Gardopee  Irine - please forgive me if you have already done this, but the Surgeon Finder on this site usually includes the numbers of valve procedures done by each listed surgeon. Successful outcome statistics are a little harder to come by.  The STS data base has statistics by facility but not by surgeon.
https://publicreporting.sts.org/search/acsd?title=&location_depth=All&page=0

Individual hospitals sometimes report details, but again not by surgeon.  For example the Cleveland Clinic  (where I went) has pages which include a lot of detail. I had my mitral and tricuspid valves repaired by Dr Gillinov at the CC.

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/departments/heart/about/outcomes-stats/cardiac-surgery-outcomes#specific-cardiac-surgery-outcomes-tab

My suggestion would be to find a facility that does a lot of repairs, review the stats, select a doctor from that facility, then contact their practice nurse to try to obtain that surgeon’s details.  Good luck!